Business Setup

We recognize the need for specialist advice tailored to foreign investors who wish to take advantage of the diverse business establishment opportunities in the UAE. Our corporate team boasts specialists who advise on all aspects of the UAE Companies Law.

We provide ongoing corporate advisory services relating to issues that affect the day-to-day operations to including corporate management and secretarial services and advising directors and officers with respect to fiduciary duties and liability issues.

There are various types of business setup applicable to foreign investors interested in establishing a formal presence in the UAE. A foreign investor may incorporate an onshore company (UAE resident company) according to the UAE Commercial Companies Law or a free zone or offshore company according to the special UAE free zone and offshore regulations.

The UAE Commercial Companies Law requires that each company established in the UAE have one or more UAE national partner(s) who hold at least 51% of the company’s capital. Companies that undertake certain activities are exempt from the 51% requirement, including oil companies with concession agreements, companies involved in the oil and gas industry, companies that produce electricity and gas, companies involved in treatment of water and transmission and distribution. Foreign banks are exempt from having to appoint a sponsor.

Companies established in the free zones are exempt from the 51% local shareholding requirement and can be 100% owned by foreign investors (either individuals or companies).

If you are looking to setup onshore, please fill in our ‘Onshore Application Form (link)’ and send back to us. One of our corporate team shall contact you shortly.

If you wish to discuss other business setup options, please feel free to contact us at contact@motei.com to arrange for an appointment.